Asian American Women's Experiences of Discrimination and Health Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated racism experienced by Asian Americans, especially women and older individuals. Little is known about how discriminatory experiences during the pandemic have influenced health behaviors among Asian Americans. Between 10/2021 and 6/2022, we surveyed 193 Asian American women in the San Francisco area. Participants were asked to report types of discrimination they experienced since March 2020. We explored bivariable associations of discrimination and changes in health behaviors and healthcare utilization. Most women were Chinese American (75%) and over 45-years-old (87%). The top three discriminatory experiences reported were being treated with less respect (60%), being treated unfairly at restaurants/stores (49%), and people acting as if they are better (47%). Chinese American women (vs. non-Chinese Asian American women) reported higher frequencies of being threatened/harassed (40% vs. 22%). Women who reported any discriminatory experience (vs. none) were more likely to report less physical exercise (42.7% vs. 26.3%) and canceling/rescheduling medical appointments (65.0% vs. 45.1%). Our findings begin to elucidate Asian American women's experiences of discrimination since the pandemic and provide evidence of the harmful impacts of anti-Asian racism on health behaviors.

Ezabenlimab (BI 754091), an anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumours

BACKGROUND

Ezabenlimab (BI 754091) is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death protein-1. We report results from open-label, dose-escalation/expansion, Phase I trials that evaluated the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics and antitumour activity of ezabenlimab at the recommended Phase II dose in patients with selected advanced solid tumours.

STUDY DESIGN

Study 1381.1 (NCT02952248) was conducted in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Study 1381.4 (NCT03433898) was conducted in Japan. Study 1381.3 (NCT03780725) was conducted in the Netherlands. The primary endpoints were: number of patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in the first cycle (dose escalation parts), number of patients with DLTs during the entire treatment period and objective response (dose expansion part of Study 1381.1).

RESULTS

Overall, 117 patients received ezabenlimab intravenously every 3 weeks (80 mg, n = 3; 240 mg, n = 111; 400 mg, n = 3). No DLTs were observed and the MTD was not reached. Fifty-eight patients (52.3%) had grade ≥ 3 adverse events, most commonly anaemia (10.8%) and fatigue (2.7%). In 111 assessed patients treated with ezabenlimab 240 mg, disease control rate was 56.8% and objective response rate was 16.2%. Three patients had complete response; at data cut-off (November 2021) one remained in response and was still receiving ongoing treatment (duration of response [DoR]: 906 days). Partial responses occurred across several tumour types; DoR ranged from 67 to 757 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Ezabenlimab was well tolerated and associated with durable antitumour activity in multiple solid tumours, comparable to other immune checkpoint inhibitors in similar patient populations and treatment settings.

Emergent symmetry in a low-dimensional superconductor on the edge of Mottness

Upon cooling, condensed-matter systems typically transition into states of lower symmetry. The converse-i.e., the emergence of higher symmetry at lower temperatures-is extremely rare. In this work, we show how an unusually isotropic magnetoresistance in the highly anisotropic, one-dimensional conductor Li0.9Mo6O17 and its temperature dependence can be interpreted as a renormalization group (RG) flow toward a so-called separatrix. This approach is equivalent to an emergent symmetry in the system. The existence of two distinct ground states, Mott insulator and superconductor, can then be traced back to two opposing RG trajectories. By establishing a direct link between quantum field theory and an experimentally measurable quantity, we uncover a path through which emergent symmetry might be identified in other candidate materials.

Predictors and impact of survivorship care plans and survivorship care visits

PURPOSE

We performed this study to characterize the population at the Lifespan Cancer Institute (LCI) who received a survivorship care plan (SCP) with or without a survivorship care visit (SCV) to determine both the impact on specialty referrals and the demographic and clinical predictors of SCPs and SCVs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed EMR records on 1960 patients at LCI between 2014 and 2017 for SCPs and SCVs and extracted demographics, distress thermometer (DT) scores collected at the time of initial presentation, and subsequent referrals. We evaluated the bivariate associations of SCP and SCV with continuous and categorical factors and assessed the adjusted effect of these factors on receipt of SCP and SCV independently. All analyses were performed in R v4.0.2.

RESULTS

SCPs were completed in 740 (37.8%) patients, and of those, 65.9% had a SCV. The mean age was 63.9, 67% were female, and 51.2% were married or partnered. Patients treated for breast, lung, and prostate cancers most received an SCP. Compared to SCP alone, the SCV was associated with more specialty referrals. Those who were younger and had breast cancer were more likely to receive a SCP, and those who were younger and female and had breast cancer were more likely to receive a SCV.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender, age, and type of cancer are significant predictors of receipt of SCP and SCV. Patients who received either SCP, SCV, or both were more likely to receive specialty referrals than those who received neither.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Identifying predictive factors of SCP and SCV can help facilitate earlier receipt of specialty services and specialty referrals as needed.

Time-resolved hadronic particle acceleration in the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi

Recurrent novae are repeating thermonuclear explosions in the outer layers of white dwarfs, due to the accretion of fresh material from a binary companion. The shock generated when ejected material slams into the companion star's wind can accelerate particles. We report very-high-energy (VHE, [Formula: see text]) gamma rays from the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi, up to a month after its 2021 outburst, observed using the High Energy Stereoscopic System. The VHE emission has a similar temporal profile to lower-energy GeV emission, indicating a common origin, with a two-day delay in peak flux. These observations constrain models of time-dependent particle energization, favoring a hadronic emission scenario over the leptonic alternative. Shocks in dense winds provide favorable environments for efficient acceleration of cosmic-rays to very high energies.

480 A first-in-human phase I dose-escalation trial of the B7-H6/CD3 T-cell engager BI 765049 ± ezabenlimab (BI 754091) in patients with advanced solid tumors expressing B7-H6

Background

B7-H6 is a member of the B7 family of immune receptors, which is expressed in several solid tumor types but very little expression can be detected in normal tissues.1 2 BI 765049 is a novel IgG-like bispecific T-cell engager designed to bind simultaneously to B7-H6 on tumor cells and CD3 on T cells, resulting in cytolytic synapse formation and tumor lysis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that BI 765049 monotherapy induced dose-dependent anti-tumor activity in humanized in vivo CRC tumor models. Consistent with the mode of action, the treatment with BI 765049 led to target cell apoptosis, local T-cell activation/proliferation and cytokine production in the tumor tissue, with PD-(L)1 upregulation.3 Activation of the PD-(L)1 provides the rationale for combining BI 765049 with a PD1 inhibitor.

Methods

NCT04752215 is a first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation trial of BI 765049 ± the PD-1 inhibitor, ezabenlimab. Adults with advanced, unresectable and/or metastatic CRC, NSCLC, HNSCC, hepatocellular, gastric or pancreatic carcinoma are eligible. Patients must have failed on, or be ineligible, for standard therapies. B7-H6 positivity must be confirmed at screening by central review (immunohistochemistry assay) in archived tissues/in-study fresh biopsies (except CRC). Patients must have ≥1 evaluable lesion (modified RECIST 1.1) outside of the central nervous system and adequate organ function. The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended dose for expansion of BI 765049 ± ezabenlimab, based on dose-limiting toxicities during the MTD evaluation period. Further objectives are to evaluate safety, tolerability, PK/PD and preliminary efficacy of BI 765049 ± ezabenlimab. The trial may assess up to 4 dosing regimens: A (BI 765049 once every 3 weeks [q3w]); B1 (BI 765049 qw); B2 (BI 765049 qw with step-in doses); C (BI 765049 + ezabenlimab [q3w]). Dose escalation will be guided by a Bayesian Logistic Regression Model with overdose control that will be fitted to binary toxicity outcomes using a hierarchical modelling approach to jointly model all dosing regimens. Treatment will be allowed to continue until confirmed progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, other withdrawal criteria or for a maximum duration of 36 months, whichever occurs first. Approximately 150–175 patients will be screened and ~120 patients enrolled. As of July 2021, patients are being recruited in early dose-escalation cohorts.

Acknowledgements

Medical writing support for the development of this abstract, under the direction of the authors, was provided by Becky O’Connor, of Ashfield MedComms, an Ashfield Health company, and funded by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Trial Registration

NCT04752215

References

Brandt et al. J Exp Med 2009;206:1495–503.

Boehringer Ingelheim. Data on file.

Hipp et al. AACR Annual Meeting 2021.

Ethics Approval

The trial will be carried out in compliance with the protocol, the ethical principles laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, in accordance with the ICH Harmonized Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the EU directive 2001/20/EC/EU regulation 536/2014.

Revealing x-ray and gamma ray temporal and spectral similarities in the GRB 190829A afterglow

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are bright flashes of gamma rays from extragalactic sources followed by fading afterglow emission, are associated with stellar core collapse events. We report the detection of very-high-energy (VHE) gamma rays from the afterglow of GRB 190829A, between 4 and 56 hours after the trigger, using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.). The low luminosity and redshift of GRB 190829A reduce both internal and external absorption, allowing determination of its intrinsic energy spectrum. Between energies of 0.18 and 3.3 tera-electron volts, this spectrum is described by a power law with photon index of 2.07 ± 0.09, similar to the x-ray spectrum. The x-ray and VHE gamma-ray light curves also show similar decay profiles. These similar characteristics in the x-ray and gamma-ray bands challenge GRB afterglow emission scenarios.

POS0017 IMC-1, A FIXED DOSE COMBINATION OF FAMCICLOVIR AND CELECOXIB, IMPROVES COMMON SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH FIBROMYALGIA IN ADDITION TO PAIN: POST HOC ANALYSIS OF A PHASE 2A TRIAL

Background:

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by widespread pain and severe fatigue that may be triggered by reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In a Phase 2a proof of concept trial, IMC-1 (a fixed dose combination of famciclovir and celecoxib) demonstrated greater tolerability and statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo, as measured by change from baseline to week 16 in 24-hour recall pain intensity on an 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and 7-day recall pain intensity on the 11-point pain item on the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R).

Objectives:

In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated the effects of IMC-1 compared with placebo on other fibromyalgia symptoms, including lack of energy, stiffness, problems with sleep, problems with memory, depression, and anxiety.

Methods:

In the double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial, male or female patients 18–70 years of age who met diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and had at baseline a 24-hour recall average pain intensity score between 4 and 9 on the NRS were randomized 1:1 to 16 weeks of treatment with IMC-1 or placebo. Mean changes from baseline to week 16 in FIQ-R symptom scores were analyzed using a Mixed-Effect Model Repeated Measure (MMRM) model with treatment as the main effect, and investigative site and baseline FIQ-R symptom scores as covariates.

Results:

A total of 143 patients were enrolled and randomized to treatment with IMC-1 (n=69) or placebo (n=74). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between treatment groups; the majority of patients were Caucasian (95.8%) and female (93.7%) with a mean age of ~49 years. Compared with placebo, treatment with IMC-1 resulted in statistically significant improvements in the FIQ-R symptom scores of stiffness (least squares mean change from baseline -0.96 vs. -1.92, P=0.03), sleep quality (-0.76 vs. -1.76, P=0.039), depression (-0.44 vs. -1.33, P=0.016), and anxiety (-0.30 vs. -1.69, P<0.001), but not in energy level (-0.67 vs. -1.29, P=0.115) or memory problems (-0.71 vs. -1.24, P=0.165).

Conclusion:

In addition to alleviation of chronic pain, treatment with IMC-1 appears to be effective in improving many of the other symptoms often associated with fibromyalgia. Further clinical trials are warranted.

References:

[1]Pridgen WL, Duffy C, Gendreau JF, Gendreau RM. A famciclovir + celecoxib combination treatment is safe and efficacious in the treatment of fibromyalgia. J Pain Res. 2017;10:451-460.

Disclosure of Interests:

William Pridgen Consultant of: Virios Therapeutics, Carol Duffy Consultant of: Virios Therapeutics, Grant/research support from: The University of Alabama, Department of Biological Sciences has received financial research support from Innovative Med Concepts (now Virios Therapeutics) in the form of two Sponsored Research Agreements., Judy F. Gendreau Consultant of: Tonix, Dare Bioscience, Virios Therapeutics, R. Michael Gendreau Consultant of: Tonix, Teva, Swing Therapeutics, Dare Bioscience, Employee of: Virios Therapeutics.

Integration of electronic pathology reporting with clinical trial matching for advanced prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

Racial/ethnic diversity in prostate cancer (CaP) clinical trials (CTs) is essential to address CaP disparities. California Cancer Registry mandated electronic reporting (e-path) of structured data elements from pathologists diagnosing cancer thereby creating an opportunity to identify and approach patients rapidly. This study tested the utility of an online CT matching tool (called Trial Library) used in combination with e-path to improve matching of underrepresented CaP patients into CTs at time of diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a nonrandomized, single-arm feasibility study among patients with a new pathologic diagnosis of high-risk CaP (Gleason Score ≥8). Eligible patients were sent recruitment materials and enrolled patients were introduced to Trial Library.

RESULTS

A total of 419 case listings were assessed. Patients were excluded due to physician contraindication, not meeting baseline eligibility, or unable to be reached. Final participants (N = 52) completed a baseline survey. Among study participants, 77% were White, 10% were Black/Hispanic/Missing, and 14% were Asian. The majority of the study participants were over 65 years of age (81%) and Medicare insured (62%). Additionally, 81% of participants reported using the Internet to learn about CaP. The majority (62%) of participants reported that Trial Library increased their interest in CT participation.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that leveraging structured e-path data reporting to a population-based cancer registry to recruit men with high risk CaP to clinical research is feasible and acceptable. We observed that e-path may be linked with an online CT matching tool, Trial Library. Future studies will prioritize recruitment from reporting facilities that serve more racially/ethnically diverse patient populations.

OP0197 THE INITIAL TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: AN INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AMONG 10 REGISTRIES

Background:

The introduction of biologics has transformed care for children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Differences in treatment approaches between countries and how they have changed over time are not well studied.

Objectives:

We contrast the initial features, treatment and 12-month outcome in SJIA across 10 JIA registers in Europe and North America.

Methods:

Data were extracted locally from 10 Registers including manifestations at diagnosis, medication use over first year and outcomes (Physician Global Assessment (PGA), active joint count (AJC)) at 12 months. Data was compared before/after 2012 to assess change over time. Weighted (w) means were used to adjust for varying number of patients/Register.

Results:

1,149 patients; 553 had medication data for 2012-2018; primarily female and Caucasian; median age at diagnosis 5.3-8 years. Median duration of symptoms prior to first visit varied (0-3.3 months). Glucocorticoid (GC) use was common in the first year (w_average 72% (range 33-96%)). Biologic use included IL-1, IL-6 and TNF inhibitors. The proportion of patients treated with biologics, primarily anakinra, increased after 2012 (Table 1). W_mean PGA and AJC at the 12±3 month visit were 1.55 and 1.57, respectively (Table 2). At one year, the proportion of patients prescribed GC varied (w_mean 40%, range 26-60%).

Conclusion:

Analysis of SJIA patients across 10 countries show that time to first rheumatology visit was highly variable. Although local factors influence treatment decisions, biologic use increased after 2011; anakinra most common. Nearly 75% of patients were prescribed steroids within the first year but seemed to decrease after 1 year. More study is needed on long-term outcomes in SJIA patients within this modern era.

1: Medication Usage within First Year (pre/post 2012 where available)Glucocorticoids (IV+PO)%Methotrexate%Biologic%Anti-IL-1%Anakinra%Tocilizumab%USA2010-2011n=922563333330USA2012-2018n=91501771705717Canada2005-2010n=8876601710100UK2001-2011n=69787110330UK2012-2018n=31485829191919Portugal2008-2011n=7342364330Portugal2012-2018n=19744732161621Sweden2009-2015n=50964662302830Denmark1997-2011n=83864013662Denmark2012-2018n=325012.575636319Turkey2000-2011n=71937758423720Turkey2012-2018n=11498524032289Germany2000-2011n=27173621376<1Germany2012-2018n=249574727191020Norway1997-2011n=26816212448Norway2012-2018n=510060100202080Finland2006-2011n=12424217008Finland2012-2018n=1225880082: Clinical Outcomes at 12 Months -all yearsAJCMedian [IQR]PGAMedian [IQR]GC Use, %USA0 [0, 0]0 [0,0]47Canada0 [0, 2]0.1 [0, 2.7]41UK0 [0, 0]0.5 [0, 1.7]53Portugal0 [0, 0]0.3 [0, 1]53Sweden0 [0, 0.5]0 [0, 0.5]31Denmark0 [0, 0]-26Turkey4 [2, 7]4 [3, 7]60Germany0 [0, 1]0 [0,2]36Norway0 [0, 0]0.5 [0, 2]45Finland0 [0, 0]0 [0, 0]33

Disclosure of Interests:

Mary Beth Son: None declared, Yukiko Kimura Consultant of: Genetech, Kristiina Aalto: None declared, Lillemor Berntson: None declared, Johnathan Dallas: None declared, Ciaran Duffy: None declared, Mia Glerup: None declared, Jaime Guzman: None declared, Troels Herlin: None declared, Petteri Hovi: None declared, Kimme Hyrich Grant/research support from: Pfizer, UCB, BMS, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Jens Klotsche: None declared, Bo Magnusson: None declared, Vanessa McItyre: None declared, Ellen Nordal: None declared, Seza Özen: None declared, Maria Jose Santos Speakers bureau: Novartis and Pfizer, Betül Sözeri: None declared, Timothy Beukelman Consultant of: UCB, Novartis

Abstract D067: The REACT study: A feasibility study to develop and test the integration of a California Cancer Registry Early Case Ascertainment process via electronic pathology reporting with an online clinical trial matching tool

Background: Representation of diverse patient populations in prostate cancer clinical trials is essential to ensure that trial results are applicable to all affected men. However, underrepresentation among racial/ethnic minorities remains a critical problem in cancer research. Population-based cancer registries provide a potential platform to overcome problems with inclusion of diverse patient populations in clinical research if they are used as a source for recruitment. Methods: Leveraging the statewide implementation of electronic pathology (e-path) for cancer case identification, we performed a pilot feasibility study, REACT (Registry Early case Ascertainment process via e-path with an online Clinical Trial matching tool), within the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry to (1) develop and test a process using e-path to rapidly identify new cases of advanced prostate cancer for potential enrollment into existing prostate cancer clinical trials; and (2) test the utility of an online clinical trial matching tool used in combination with e-path to improve matching of underrepresented patients into advanced prostate cancer clinical trials. All study materials were translated into Spanish, and a Spanish-speaking bilingual recruiter is one of two recruiters. This study will accrue 50 patients. Results: Thus far, a total of 224 cases were identified from 19 reporting facilities through e-path and 213 (92%) were sent invitation letters. We have initiated recruitment contact calls with N=101; of these, 11 were excluded due to physician-indicated contraindication, and 17 (17%) declined participation. To date, 12 patients have enrolled in the study, 10 of whom completed baseline surveys, and 4 subsequently completed follow-up surveys after using the online matching tool. The majority (N=7) of participants were NH White; of higher income, &gt;$150,000 (N=6); and of higher education, &gt;bachelor’s/associate degree (N=8). Nine participants indicated use of the internet to learn about prostate cancer and 4 found internet prostate-cancer related information very useful. Nine participants reported receipt of prostate cancer treatment in the past 3 months, 8 received hormonal therapy, 4 received radiation, and 2 received surgery. To assess research knowledge and attitudes, 7 indicated awareness of cancer clinical trials, 6 indicated interest in participating in clinical research, 7 held a positive and 3 held a neutral attitude towards cancer clinical trials, however 5 indicated that they would not participate in a randomized study. To assess utility of the matching tool, 2 indicated it increased their interest in participating in clinical trials. Discussion: As the study progresses, we will focus effort on recruitment of underserved patients. However, thus far, preliminary results indicate that e-path used in combination with an online clinical trial matching tool may serve as an important recruitment vehicle for prostate cancer clinical trials.

Citation Format: Hala T Borno, Christine Duffy, Sylvia Zhang, Todd Golden, Zinnia Loya, Debby Oh, Anobel Odisho, Scarlett Lin Gomez. The REACT study: A feasibility study to develop and test the integration of a California Cancer Registry Early Case Ascertainment process via electronic pathology reporting with an online clinical trial matching tool [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D067.

Safety of BI 754111, an anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), in combination with BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 mAb, in patients with advanced solid tumors

3063

Background: LAG-3, an immune checkpoint receptor involved in T-cell regulation, is frequently co-expressed with PD-1. LAG-3 and PD-1 signaling contributes to immune cell exhaustion and reduces the immune response to tumor cells. Dual inhibition of PD-1 and LAG-3 may reactivate the T-cell response better than blockade of either individual pathway. Here, we report combined safety data from 4 trials investigating BI 754111, an anti-LAG-3 mAb, in combination with BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 mAb, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Data from 2 phase I dose-escalation/expansion trials, 1 phase I imaging trial, and 1 phase II trial were included. Eligible patients had advanced and/or metastatic solid tumors with measurable disease and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1. Patients received BI 754111 (intravenously [iv], 4–800 mg) in combination with BI 754091 (iv, 240 mg fixed dose) every 3 weeks (q3w). Patients remained on treatment until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity. In each trial, safety was assessed by incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs), and graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for AEs, version 5. Results: Overall, 321 patients were treated with BI 754111 in combination with BI 754091 (200 [62%] male; median age, 63 years [range 18–88]). Median treatment exposure was 85 days (range 9–625). Of these patients, 282 (87.9%) had any AE (G≥3 in 99 [30.8%]). 285 patients received the 600 mg recommended phase II dose of BI 754111 plus BI 754091 240 mg q3w. Median treatment exposure in these patients was 74 days (range, 8–590). The table shows the 3 most common AEs and 4 most common immune-related AEs, and their frequency. 21 (7.4%) patients had AEs leading to study drug discontinuation, most commonly infusion-related reactions (IRRs) in 6 (2.1%) patients. Serious AEs (all-cause) occurred in 77 patients (27.0%), most commonly pleural effusion in 6 (2.1%) and deep vein thrombosis in 4 (1.4%) patients. 2 patients (0.7%) experienced an AE resulting in death (cardiac tamponade and acute kidney injury, both related to underlying diseases). Conclusions: The combination of BI 754111 and BI 754091 had a manageable safety profile, similar to other checkpoint inhibitors. Clinical trial information: NCT03156114, NCT03433898, NCT03697304, NCT03780725 . [Table: see text]

REACT: A feasibility study to test the integration of a cancer registry early case ascertainment process via electronic pathology reporting with an online clinical trial matching tool

207

Background: Representation of diverse patient populations in prostate cancer clinical trials is essential to ensure results are applicable to all men. However, underrepresentation among underserved populations remains a critical problem. Population-based cancer registries provide a potential platform to overcome problems with inclusion of diverse patient populations in clinical research when used as a source for recruitment. Methods: Leveraging statewide implementation of early-case ascertainment (ECA) via electronic pathology for cancer case identification, we performed a feasibility study within the Greater Bay Area Cancer Registry to (1) test a process using ECA to identify new cases of advanced prostate cancer for potential enrollment into clinical trials and (2) test the utility of an online clinical trial matching tool to improve matching of underrepresented patients into clinical trials. All study materials were translated into Spanish, and recruiters were Spanish-speaking. Results: A total of 419 cases were identified from 19 reporting facilities through ECA and sent invitation letters; 18 cases were excluded due to physician contraindication, and 68 (16%) declined participation. All enrolled participants (N=54) completed baseline surveys. To date, 40 participants completed follow-up surveys after using the online matching tool. Most participants were White (80%), of higher income (>$150,000; 41%), and college-educated (70%). Thirty-seven percent indicated awareness of cancer clinical trials, 69% stated interest in participating in clinical research, and 72% held a positive attitude towards cancer clinical trials. However, 46% indicated they would not participate in a randomized study. To assess utility of the matching tool, 65% indicated it increased their interest in participating in a clinical trial. Conclusions: ECA needs to ensure sociodemographic data are available to make it useful as a tool for clinical trials. Preliminary results indicate ECA used in combination with an online clinical trial matching tool may serve as an important recruitment vehicle for prostate cancer clinical trials.

Using Marketing Automation to Modernize Data Collection in the California Teachers Study Cohort

BACKGROUND

Like other cancer epidemiologic cohorts, the California Teachers Study (CTS) has experienced declining participation to follow-up questionnaires; neither the reasons for these declines nor the steps that could be taken to mitigate these trends are fully understood.

METHODS

The CTS offered their 6th study questionnaire (Q6) in the fall of 2017 using an integrated, online system. The team delivered a Web and mobile-adaptive questionnaire to 45,239 participants via e-mail using marketing automation technology. The study's integrated platform captured data on recruitment activities that may influence overall response, including the date and time invitations and reminders were e-mailed and the date and time questionnaires were started and submitted.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 43%. Participants ages 65 to 69 were 25% more likely to participate than their younger counterparts (OR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18-1.32) and nonwhite participants were 28% less likely to participate than non-Hispanic white cohort members (OR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.68-0.76). Previous questionnaire participation was strongly associated with response (OR = 6.07; 95% CI, 5.50-6.70). Invitations sent after 2 pm had the highest response (OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.65-1.84), as did invitations sent on Saturdays (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.36-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

An integrated system that captures paradata about questionnaire recruitment and response can enable studies to quantify the engagement patterns and communication desires of cohort members.

IMPACT

As cohorts continue to collect scientific data, it is imperative to collect and analyze information on how participants engage with the study.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Modernizing Population Science."

Abstract P2-13-13: For women with bone-only metastatic breast cancer, is there a benefit to primary prevention?

Background: The prognosis of patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) bone-only metastatic breast cancer (B-MBC) is good, with the average life expectancy extending years with contemporary management. In the general population, studies investigating the impact of screening programs designed to detect disease as early as possible in otherwise asymptomatic patients have consistently shown reduction in morbidity and mortality but outcomes among patients living with B-MBC has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to investigate the rate at which patients with ER+ breast cancer metastatic only to bone underwent cholesterol, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer screening and to determine if this screening had any impact on overall survival and cause of death.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated for ER+ B-MBC at the Lifespan Cancer Institute in Providence, RI between 1/1/15 and 5/31/18. Each patient’s medical records and tumor registry information were reviewed. Data on these patients’ disease history were collected along with data on cholesterol, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer screening. Descriptive statistics were calculated using STATA statistical software.

Results: A total of 48 patients with ER+ B-MBC were identified. Median overall survival from initial diagnosis of breast cancer was 148 months; measured from the diagnosis of bone metastasis, it was 52.4 months. Twenty-nine out of the 48 patients received cholesterol screening (60%), 14/48 had mammograms (29%), and only 8/48 had colonoscopy (17%). No patients underwent screening lung CT (Table 1). Compared to those who did not undergo screening, patients who were screened for cholesterol had significantly longer median overall survival (175.4 vs 106 months, respectively, p=.02) and those undergoing mammogram had a trend towards longer survival (187 vs 131 months, p=.08). Screening was not associated with a difference in rates of death attributed to breast cancer. No deaths due to other malignancies were identified. Of those undergoing mammography, only one abnormal report was identified, and biopsy of the lesion was benign.

Table 1: Rate of abnormal screening results, median overall survival from index diagnosis, and death from index breast cancer.Abnormal screening resultMedian OS (months)95% CIp valueDeath from IBCp valueCholesterolscreened18/25175.4135 - 2160.02**1/20.30not screened10668 - 1445/6Mammogramscreened1/14187116 - 2590.08*3/40.60not screened131101 - 1626/10OS=overall survival. CI=confidence interval. IBC=index breast cancer. ** = p &lt; 0.05. *= p &lt; 0.1

Conclusions: A large proportion of patients with B-MBC undergo primary preventative screening measures, and of these, cholesterol screening is the most common. Screening was associated with longer overall survival, but did not change the rates of death due to breast cancer. These results suggest that clinicians are offering screening to a subgroup of women who are healthy despite B-MBC. However, our data suggest there is little benefit to screening, and this should be addressed in a larger dataset.

Citation Format: Kristina A Fanucci, Mary Anne Fenton, Christine Duffy, Camille Higel-McGovern, Don Dizon. For women with bone-only metastatic breast cancer, is there a benefit to primary prevention? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-13.

Insights from Adopting a Data Commons Approach for Large-scale Observational Cohort Studies: The California Teachers Study

BACKGROUND

Large-scale cancer epidemiology cohorts (CEC) have successfully collected, analyzed, and shared patient-reported data for years. CECs increasingly need to make their data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, or FAIR. How CECs should approach this transformation is unclear.

METHODS

The California Teachers Study (CTS) is an observational CEC of 133,477 participants followed since 1995-1996. In 2014, we began updating our data storage, management, analysis, and sharing strategy. With the San Diego Supercomputer Center, we deployed a new infrastructure based on a data warehouse to integrate and manage data and a secure and shared workspace with documentation, software, and analytic tools that facilitate collaboration and accelerate analyses.

RESULTS

Our new CTS infrastructure includes a data warehouse and data marts, which are focused subsets from the data warehouse designed for efficiency. The secure CTS workspace utilizes a remote desktop service that operates within a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)- and Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)-compliant platform. Our infrastructure offers broad access to CTS data, includes statistical analysis and data visualization software and tools, flexibly manages other key data activities (e.g., cleaning, updates, and data sharing), and will continue to evolve to advance FAIR principles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our scalable infrastructure provides the security, authorization, data model, metadata, and analytic tools needed to manage, share, and analyze CTS data in ways that are consistent with the NCI's Cancer Research Data Commons Framework.

IMPACT

The CTS's implementation of new infrastructure in an ongoing CEC demonstrates how population sciences can explore and embrace new cloud-based and analytics infrastructure to accelerate cancer research and translation.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Modernizing Population Science."

Abstract C027: A Phase I, dose finding study of BI 754111, an anti-LAG-3 antibody, in combination with BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors: preliminary results from the microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cohort

Background: Inhibition of the PD-1 pathway is an effective immunotherapeutic approach in a subset of patients with various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Blockade of the PD-1 pathway leads to overexpression of other checkpoint receptors, including LAG3, potentially providing an escape pathway for tumor cells. LAG-3 signaling contributes to immune cell exhaustion, preventing T-cell proliferation. Dual blockade of PD-1 and LAG-3 has the potential to synergistically restore T-cell functionality and therefore enhance antitumor immune responses. This Phase I trial is evaluating the combination of BI 754111, an anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 mAb, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: This open-label, Phase I study is being conducted in two parts. Part 1 (dose-escalation) enrolled patients with advanced solid tumors; no dose limiting toxicities were reported and BI 754111 600 mg intravenous (iv) every 3 weeks (q3w) in combination with BI 754091 (240 mg iv q3w) was selected for further assessment in part 2 (dose expansion). In part 2, patients are being enrolled in 4 cohorts: 1) anti-PD-(L)1 pretreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that progressed after having achieved benefit on previous PD-(L)1; 2) previously treated (anti-PD-[L]1 naïve) MSS mCRC; 3) anti-PD-(L)1 pretreated TMB &gt;10 and/or MSI-h and/or dMMR solid tumors; 4) treatment-naive NSCLC with EGFR and ALK wild type tumors. Primary endpoint for the expansion cohorts is objective response. Safety and pharmacokinetics of the combination were secondary endpoints. The mCRC cohort is fully recruited; other cohorts are open to recruitment. This abstract presents data from the MSS CRC cohort. Results. 40 patients with MSS mCRC were enrolled (27 male [67.5%]; median age 56.5 years [range 25–85]; median of 3.0 prior regimens [range 1–10]) and received BI 754111 600 mg q3w in combination with BI 754091 240 mg q3w. Treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) were reported in 18 patients (45%); most commonly infusion-related reactions (10.0%), myalgia (10.0%), hypothyroidism (7.5%), diarrhea (7.5%) and arthralgia (7.5%). Grade 3/4 TRAEs occurred in 4 patients (grade 3 colitis, grade 3 maculo-papular rash, grade 4 diabetic ketoacidosis [n=2]). Treatment-emergent immune-related AEs occurred in 9 patients; of these, 4 had grade 3/4 events (colitis and maculo-papular rash [grade 3] and diabetic ketoacidosis [grade 4; n=2]). To date, 2 (5%) patients achieved a partial response, and 12 (30%) achieved stable disease. Updates will be presented. Conclusion. BI 754111 + BI 754091 was well-tolerated and showed preliminary activity in patients with previously treated MSS mCRC. Assessment of the combination in other cohorts is ongoing.

Citation Format: Johanna Bendell, Susanna V Ulahannan, Quincy Chu, Manish Patel, Ben George, Renee Landsberg, Mabrouk Elgadi, Christine Duffy, Ralph Graeser, Wenbo Tang, Michael Merger, Miaomiao Ge, Melissa Johnson. A Phase I, dose finding study of BI 754111, an anti-LAG-3 antibody, in combination with BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors: preliminary results from the microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C027. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-C027

Liquid Chromatography Post-Column Oxidation (PCOX) Method for the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Mussels, Clams, Oysters, and Scallops: Collaborative Study

Sixteen laboratories participated in a collaborative study to evaluate method performance parameters of a liquid chromatographic method of analysis for paralytic shellfsh toxins (PST) in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), soft shell clams (Mya arenaria), sea scallops (Placopectin magellanicus), and American oysters (Crassostrea virginicus). The specifc analogs tested included saxitoxin, neosaxitoxin, gonyautoxins-1 to -5, decarbamoyl-gonyautoxins-2 and -3, decarbamoyl-saxitoxin, and N-sulfocarbamoylgonyautoxin-2 and -3. This instrumental technique has been developed as a replacement for the current AOAC biological method (AOAC Offcial MethodSM 959.08) and an alternative to the pre-column oxidation LC method (AOAC Offcial MethodSM 2005.06). The method is based on reversed-phase liquid chromatography with post-column oxidation and fluorescence detection (excitation 330 nm and emission 390 nm). The shellfsh samples used in the study were prepared from the edible tissues of clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops to contain concentrations of PST representative of low, medium, and high toxicities and with varying profles of individual toxins. These concentrations are approximately equivalent to ½ maximum level (ML), ML, or 2×ML established by regulatory authorities (0.40, 0.80, and 1.60 mg STX·diHCl eq/kg, respectively). Recovery for the individual toxins ranged from 104 to 127%, and recovery of total toxin averaged 116%. Horwitz Ratio (HorRat) values for individual toxins in the materials included in the study were generally within the desired range of 0.3 to 2.0. For the estimation of total toxicity in the test materials, the reproducibility relative standard deviation ranged from 4.6 to 20%. A bridging study comparing the results from the study participants using the post-column oxidation (PCOX) method with the results obtained in the study director’s laboratory on the same test materials using the accepted reference method, the mouse bioassay (MBA; AOAC Offcial MethodSM 959.08), showed that the average ratio of results obtained from the two methods was 1.0. A good match of values was also achieved with a new certifed reference material. The results from this study demonstrated that the PCOX method is a suitable method of analysis for PST in shellfsh tissue and provides both an estimate of total toxicity, equivalent to that determined using the MBA AOAC Offcial MethodSM 959.08, and a detailed profle of the individual toxin present in the sample.

1135Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibition in patients with de novo acute decompensated heart failure: a prespecified subgroup analysis of the PIONEER-HF trial

Background

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) in patients presenting with de novo heart failure (HF) has not been previously well-defined.

Methods

The PIONEER-HF trial was a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, active-controlled, randomized clinical trial which enrolled 887 patients (pts) at 129 sites in the United States. Pts with or without a history of prior HF and an ejection fraction (EF) <40% and a NT-proBNP >1600 pg/mL or BNP >400 pg/mL were eligible for participation no earlier than 24 hours while still hospitalized for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). Pts were randomly assigned 1:1 to in-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) titrated to 97/103 mg vs. enalapril titrated to 10 mg both by mouth twice daily for 8 weeks. We performed a pre-specified analysis in pts with de novo HF (i.e., defined as pts without a history of HF prior to the qualifying ADHF event).

Results

At the time of enrollment, 34% (N=303) had de novo HF. These pts experienced a similar improvement in NT-proBNP with S/V vs. enalapril (Ratio of geometric means 0.65, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.53–0.81; p-value = 0.0002) compared to pts with worsening chronic HF (ratio 0.72 (0.63–0.83, p-value <0.0001) (Figure). In addition, the incidence of worsening renal function, hyperkalemia, and hypotension was comparable with S/V vs. enalapril regardless of whether they were hospitalized for de novo or worsening chronic HF. Finally, there was no interaction (p-value = 0.350) between previous HF status and the effect of S/V on the composite of cardiovascular death or rehospitalization for HF (de novo HF: Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.11–1.05 vs. worsening chronic HF: HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.93).

Conclusion

Among patients admitted for ADHF, irrespective of prior HF history, in-hospital initiation of an ARNi led to a greater reduction in natriuretic peptide levels, a comparable safety profile, and a significant improvement in clinical outcomes.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Novartis

Impact of timing of delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes for women after three previous caesarean deliveries; a secondary analysis of the caesarean section registry

BACKGROUND

As more women are presenting with three previous caesarean deliveries (CD), providers may suggest early term delivery as a means to avoid the risk of spontaneous labour and associated maternal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether early term delivery is associated with lower maternal and neonatal morbidity for women with three previous CD.

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a prospective registry of CD at 19 US academic centres from 1999 to 2002.

POPULATION

Women with three previous CD undergoing scheduled or emergent delivery with live, singleton gestations 37-41+ weeks of gestation were included. Women with non-low transverse incisions, antepartum stillbirth, previous myomectomy, fetal anomalies, more or fewer than three previous CD or attempting trial of labour after caesarean section were excluded.

METHODS

Gestational age was categorised by week. We fitted logistic regression models to adjust for clinically relevant or statistically significant confounders.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary and secondary outcomes were composites, respectively, of maternal and neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

In all, 821 women met the inclusion criteria; maternal morbidity composite occurred in 9.86% and neonatal morbidity occurred in 10.5%. After adjusting for confounding variables, maternal and neonatal morbidity occurred least frequently at 39 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with three previous CDs, adverse maternal outcomes do not increase with increasing gestational age beyond 37 weeks but early term elective repeat CDs are associated with higher neonatal morbidity. Elective delivery of women with three previous CD at 39 weeks of gestation is safe in the absence of maternal or fetal indications for early term delivery.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Delivery of women with three previous caesarean deliveries at 39 weeks, in the absence of maternal or fetal indications for early term delivery, is associated with decreased maternal morbidity.

The preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes at clinics using a discrete choice experiment approach: the D1 Now Study

AIM

Attending routine outpatient clinic appointments is a central self-management behaviour of individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. A large number of young adults with Type 1 diabetes disengage from diabetes services, which may contribute to poor psychosocial and diabetes outcomes. The aim of this study is to elicit preferences from young adults with Type 1 diabetes regarding clinic-related services to inform service delivery.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment was developed to understand the preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes for clinic-related services.

RESULTS

Young adults recruited from young adult Type 1 diabetes clinics in 2016 completed the experiment (n = 105). Young adults with Type 1 diabetes showed a preference for shorter waiting times, seeing a nurse and a consultant, relative to a nurse alone, and a flexible booking system compared with fixed appointment times. Results suggest no preference for a nurse and a doctor, relative to a nurse alone, or other optional services (e.g. seeing dietitians or psychologists), type of HbA_1c test and digital blood glucose diaries over paper-based diaries.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights aspects of routine clinic appointments that are valued by young adults living with Type 1 diabetes, namely shorter waiting times at clinic, the option to see both a nurse and consultant at each visit and a flexible clinic appointment booking system. These findings suggest young adults with Type 1 diabetes value convenience and should help services to restructure their clinics to be more responsive to the needs of young adults.

Phase I trial of the programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, BI 754091, in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors

212

Background: Tumors may achieve immune evasion by expressing PD ligand-1 (PDL-1) to bind to PD-1 expressed on activated T cells, initiating immunosuppressive signals within the tumor. Pro-inflammatory anti-tumor activity can be restored when this interaction is blocked by therapeutic PD-1 or PDL-1 inhibition. BI 754091 is a monoclonal IgG4Pro antibody directed against PD-1 that has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. We present the results of the first in human study evaluating BI 754091 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Patients who had exhausted standard treatment (tx) options, including prior anti-PD-1 tx, were enrolled to receive BI 754091 IV every 3 weeks (Q3W) in one of 3 sequential dose escalation cohorts (80, 240 and 400 mg), 3 patients/cohort, to evaluate the safety and tolerability and establish the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended Phase II Dose (RPIID). Additional anti-PD-1 naïve patients with select solid tumors are being enrolled in dose expansion to be treated with the selected RPIID. The objectives of the dose expansion cohort are to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK and preliminary efficacy of the RPIID of BI 754091, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Results: 17 patients have enrolled to date, 9 patients in the dose escalation and 8 patients in the dose expansion cohorts. Both, safety and PK profile supported a RPIID of 240 mg. The most common all grade Treatment Related Adverse Events (TRAE) were fatigue 35% (6 patients), decreased appetite 18% (3 patients) and arthralgia 12% (2 patients). There were no dose-limiting toxicities, tx-related serious adverse events, or TRAEs ≥Grade 3 reported. To date, one patient (gastric cancer) has had a partial response, 8 had stable disease, and 8 patients continue on treatment. Additional efficacy data among patients in dose-expansion will be reported. Conclusions: BI 754091 is safe and well-tolerated across all dose levels tested for advanced solid tumors, with preliminary evidence of activity. A dose of 240 mg Q3W was selected for dose expansion and RPIID based upon the available safety and PK data. Clinical trial information: NCT02952248.

Strength in Numbers: an international consensus conference to develop a novel approach to care delivery for young adults with type 1 diabetes, the D1 Now Study

PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY

Many young adults with type 1 diabetes struggle with the day-to-day management of their condition. They often find it difficult to find the time to attend their clinic appointments and to meet with their diabetes healthcare team. Young adults living with type 1 diabetes are not routinely involved in research that may help improve health services other than being invited to take part in studies as research participants. A 3-day international conference was held in Galway in June 2016 called "Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adults with type 1 diabetes". It aimed to bring together people from a broad variety of backgrounds with an interest in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Young people with type 1 diabetes came together with healthcare professionals, researchers, software developers and policy makers to come up with and agree on a new approach for engaging young adults with type 1 diabetes with their health services and to improve how they manage their diabetes.The people involved in the conference aimed to reach agreement (consensus) on a fixed set of outcome measures called a core outcome set (COS) that the group would recommend future studies involving young adults with type 1 diabetes to use, to suggest a new approach (intervention) for providing health services to young adults with type 1 diabetes, and to come up with health technology ideas that could help deliver the new intervention. Over the 3 days, this diverse international group of people that included young adults living with type 1 diabetes, agreed on a COS, 3 key parts of a new intervention and 1 possible health technology idea that could help with how the overall intervention could be delivered.Involving young adults living with type 1 diabetes in a 3-day conference along with other key groups is an effective method for coming up with a new approach to improve health services for young adults with type 1 diabetes and better support their self-management.

ABSTRACT

Background A 3-day international consensus meeting was hosted by the D1 Now study team in Galway on June 22-24, 2016 called "Strength In Numbers: Teaming up to improve the health of young adults with type 1 diabetes". The aim of the meeting was to bring together young adults with type 1 diabetes, healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers to reach a consensus on strategies to improve engagement, self-management and ultimately outcomes for young adults living with type 1 diabetes. Methods This diverse stakeholder group participated in the meeting to reach consensus on (i) a core outcome set (COS) to be used in future intervention studies involving young adults with type 1 diabetes, (ii) new strategies for delivering health services to young adults and (iii) potential digital health solutions that could be incorporated into a future intervention. Results A COS of 8 outcomes and 3 key intervention components that aim to improve engagement between young adults with type 1 diabetes and service providers were identified. A digital health solution that could potentially compliment the intervention components was proposed. Conclusion The outputs from the 3-day consensus conference, that held patient and public involvement at its core, will help the research team further develop and test the D1 Now intervention for young adults with type 1 diabetes in a pilot and feasibility study and ultimately in a definitive trial. The conference represents a good example of knowledge exchange among different stakeholders for health research and service improvement.

Design of Randomized, Double-Blind, Evaluation in Secondary Stroke Prevention Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran Etexilate vs. Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (Re-Spect Esus)

Rationale

Cryptogenic ischemic strokes constitute 20–30% of ischemic strokes, the majority of which are embolic strokes of undetermined source. The standard preventive treatment in these patients is usually acetylsalicylic acid.

Aim

The Randomized, double-blind, Evaluation in secondary Stroke Prevention comparing the EfficaCy and safety of the oral Thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate vs. acetylsalicylic acid in patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (RE-SPECT ESUS) is designed to determine whether the oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran, taken within three-months after embolic stroke of undetermined source, is superior to acetylsalicylic acid for prevention of recurrent stroke and to characterize the safety of dabigatran in this setting.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial in approximately 6000 patients and 550 centers with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Subjects are randomized to dabigatran or acetylsalicylic acid and treated for an expected minimum of six-months and up to approximately three-years. It is an event-driven trial aiming for 353 adjudicated primary outcome events.

Study outcomes

The primary efficacy outcome is time to first recurrent stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or unspecified). Key secondary outcomes are time to first ischemic stroke and time to first occurrence in the composite outcome of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. The primary safety outcome is major hemorrhage, including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Discussion

Acetylsalicylic acid is the most common antithrombotic given to patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source to reduce recurrence risk. This trial will determine whether anticoagulation with dabigatran is more effective than acetylsalicylic acid, and acceptably safe.

New insights into the causes of human illness due to consumption of azaspiracid contaminated shellfish

Azaspiracid (AZA) poisoning was unknown until 1995 when shellfish harvested in Ireland caused illness manifesting by vomiting and diarrhoea. Further in vivo/vitro studies showed neurotoxicity linked with AZA exposure. However, the biological target of the toxin which will help explain such potent neurological activity is still unknown. A region of Irish coastline was selected and shellfish were sampled and tested for AZA using mass spectrometry. An outbreak was identified in 2010 and samples collected before and after the contamination episode were compared for their metabolite profile using high resolution mass spectrometry. Twenty eight ions were identified at higher concentration in the contaminated samples. Stringent bioinformatic analysis revealed putative identifications for seven compounds including, glutarylcarnitine, a glutaric acid metabolite. Glutaric acid, the parent compound linked with human neurological manifestations was subjected to toxicological investigations but was found to have no specific effect on the sodium channel (as was the case with AZA). However in combination, glutaric acid (1mM) and azaspiracid (50nM) inhibited the activity of the sodium channel by over 50%. Glutaric acid was subsequently detected in all shellfish employed in the study. For the first time a viable mechanism for how AZA manifests itself as a toxin is presented.

Service use and family-centred care in young people with severe cerebral palsy: a population-based, cross-sectional clinical survey

PURPOSE

To assess healthcare use and family perception of family-centred care in children and young adults with severe cerebral palsy (CP) within a geographical region of the UK.

METHOD

Young people (4-27years) with severe forms of CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V, were recruited via an established case register. Data were collected in the participant's home using a standardised background proforma and validated questionnaires. The Measure of Processes of Care was used to assess the family's perception of family-centred care.

RESULTS

One-hundred and twenty-three children, young people and their families/guardians participated. Results showed high accessing of specialist services in childhood with a considerable decrease in young adults. Use of generalist services remained relatively constant. The reported use of formal respite services and support groups/youth clubs was relatively poor. Family-centred care was poor in the area of "providing general information" (2.8 ± 1.73) but more moderate in the areas of "providing specific information about the young person" (4.2 ± 1.94), "enabling and partnership" (4.2 ± 1.9), "co-ordinated and comprehensive care" (4.3 ± 1.95) and "respectful and supportive care" (4.7 ± 1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

The accessing of specialist services and respite care notably decreases amongst adolescents with severe forms of CP and the perception of family-centred care amongst families was fair at best. In particular, the results highlight the need for families to be provided with more general information and advice. Implications for Rehabilitation In a quest to enhance the rehabilitation process in young people with severe forms of cerebral palsy: Commissioners and service providers need to a adopt a more rationalised, needs led approach to service provision across the lifespan of people with severe forms of cerebral palsy, to include an effective and efficient transitional period. Habilitation specialists working with young adults need to continue to recognise the importance of family-centred care in managing this complex and chronic condition. Professionals working within the healthcare system must provide better communication and improve their dissemination of information to the families of children and young people with complex needs.

Evidence for multiple paternity in the school shark Galeorhinus galeus found in New Zealand waters

This study assessed the levels of relatedness of Galeorhinus galeus of progeny arrays using six microsatellite DNA markers. A parentage analysis from five families (mother and litter) from the North Island of New Zealand suggested the occurrence of genetic polyandry in G. galeus with two of the five litters showing multiple sires involved in the progeny arrays. This finding may be consistent with the reproductive characteristics of G. galeus, in which females can potentially store sperm for long periods of time after the mating season.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of jumping mechanography muscle function assessments

Muscle function can be assessed through jumping mechanography, where portable ground reaction force plates collect dynamic information as a subject jumps. The aim of this study was to assess both intra- and inter- rater reliability of jumping mechanography. Ten healthy adults underwent 3 sets of testing (collected by 3 different raters) at two separate sessions, one week apart. They performed a number of tests in each session: multiple one-legged hopping (M1LH; on right and left legs) and single two-legged jumps (S2LJ; with or without arm swing). The S2LJ assessed variables of power per body mass, jump height, velocity and efficiency; whereas, M1LH assessed maximum force per body mass and stiffness. Inter-rater coefficients of variation (CV) were less than 0.6% and 2.6% for the S2LJ and M1LH, respectively, for the primary outcome variables of power/body mass and force/body mass. Analyzing intra-rater results also produced CVs less than 5.3% for all variables. The present study reports that the Leonardo ground reaction force plate system yields reproducible results between sessions, without significant contribution of variability from the test operator. Jumping mechanography is an easy, safe and reliable method for the assessment of lower limb musculoskeletal function.

Oncologists' confidence in knowledge of fertility issues for young women with cancer

We sought to identify factors associated with greater cancer-related fertility knowledge in a national survey of oncologists. We surveyed 344 oncologists from a sampling pool drawn randomly from the AMA Masterfile. We conducted multiple linear regression to determine the relationship between confidence in knowledge and oncologists' characteristics. Respondents' average age was 48.5, and 75.3% were male. The average confidence in knowledge summary score was 23.8 (SD 6.4, range 8-40). In multivariable regression, confidence was higher among oncologists with more information resources, a sense of responsibility to discuss fertility issues and among gynecologic oncologists vs. other oncology specialties. Physician age, gender, and practice setting were not associated with fertility-related knowledge. Oncologists lack confidence in their knowledge of fertility issues in young women with breast cancer. Increasing professional responsibility to discuss fertility and greater information access could improve the depth and breadth of education regarding fertility issues among oncologists and their young patients.

Abstract P192: The Gap Between Guidelines and Practice for the Total Cardiovascular Care of Atrial Fibrillation Patients in an Extended Study for Re-ly Patients Receiving Dabigatran

Background Most atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have coexisting cardiovascular pathologies that worsen prognosis and require management. Although anticoagulation has received significant attention in AF patients, there is scarce data on the quality of the total cardiovascular care for AF patients. Our aim was to explore the gap between guideline recommendations and the actual comprehensive cardiovascular care of a well anticoagulated clinical trial AF population.

Methods At the end of RE-LY, a randomized trial of two dabigatran doses in patients with AF at high risk of stroke, patients were offered to continue the randomized double-blinded dabigatran dose in the extended RELY-ABLE study. Table 1 shows all treatment targets for the management of AF and its concomitant cardiovascular issues that were distilled from international guidelines. Audit of RE-LY and RELY-ABLE data was done to assess whether these targets were achieved in individual patients at RELY-ABLE baseline.

Results Of the 12,091 patients who received dabigatran in RE-LY, 5,849 patients among 546 centers in 35 countries were enrolled in RELY-ABLE. Overall, the mean age is 73 ± 8 years, 35% female, 81% hypertension, 27% coronary artery disease, 18% heart failure and 22% diabetes. Table 1 shows for how many patients each treatment target was relevant, and in whom the target was achieved. For example, of 1,483 patients at with diabetes, 986 (66.5%) patients achieved the target and had an HbA1c value <7.0%, and 497 (33.5%) patients did not achieve the target. We identified a total of 23,868 relevant treatment targets, of which 5064 (21.2%) were not achieved.

Conclusions We indentified many opportunities to improve the total cardiovascular care for AF patients who were already well anticoagulated and successfully completed RE-LY. RELY-ABLE is an ongoing cluster-randomized trial that will test if a multifaceted knowledge translation intervention can assist to close this gap and improve patient outcomes.

Magnetic resonance imaging of intercranial plasmocytic granuloma

The objective of this study is to determine characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of intracranial plasmocytic granulomas. Pathological confirmation of three patients with intracranial pathologically confirmed plasmocytic granuloma are presented. Clinical records as well pre- and postgadolinium-enhanced images from each patient are reviewed. The location of the abnormalities is compared with previous reported cases of plasmocytic granulomas, to determine if there is a characteristic finding in this disense. The predominance of this abnormality in the pediatric and young adult patient was striking. On T(1)-weighted MRI, plasmocytic granulomas appear as hypointense lesions, with isointense appearance on T(2) images, and significant, variable patterns of enhancement after the infusion of gadolinium. Typically, the lesion is infiltrating, and causes little mass effect. A dural based lesion, as well as a sellar region abnormality and an infiltrating cortical lesion with little mass effect in the pediatric or young adult age group may lead the observer to suspect the diagnosis of plasmocytic granuloma.

Development and comparison of a Primer-Probe Energy Transfer based assay and a 5' conjugated Minor Groove Binder assay for sensitive real-time PCR detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus

In this study the design and development of two real-time PCR assays for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) DNA is described. A Primer-Probe Energy Transfer (PriProET) assay and 5' conjugated Minor Groove Binder (MGB) method are compared and contrasted. Both have been designed to target the thymidine kinase gene of the ILTV genome. Both PriProET and MGB assays are capable of detecting 20 copies of a DNA standard per reaction and are linear from 2×10(8) to 2×10(2)copies/μl. Neither PriProET, nor MGB reacted with heterologous herpesviruses, indicating a high specificity of the two methods as novel tools for virus detection and identification. This study demonstrates the suitability of PriProET and 5' conjugated MGB probes as real-time PCR chemistries for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases caused by ILTV.

Porcine circovirus type 2 morphogenesis in a clone derived from the l35 lymphoblastoid cell line

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the essential infectious agent of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), one of the most important diseases of swine. Although several studies have described different biological properties of the virus, some aspects of its replication cycle, including ultrastructural alterations, remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to describe for the first time a complete morphogenesis study of PCV2 in a clone of the lymphoblastoid L35 cell line at the ultrastructural level using electron microscopy techniques. Cells were infected with PCV2 at a multiplicity of infection of 10 and examined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 60 and 72h post-infection. PCV2 was internalized by endocytosis, after which the virus aggregated in intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (ICIs). Subsequently, PCV2 was closely associated with mitochondria, completing a first cytoplasmic phase. The virus entered the nucleus for replication and virus assembly and encapsidation occurred with the participation of the nuclear membrane. Immature virions left the nucleus and formed ICIs in a second cytoplasmic phase. The results suggest that at the end of the replication cycle (between 24 and 48h), PCV2 was released either by budding of mature virion clusters or by lysis of apoptotic or dead cells. In conclusion, the L35-derived clone represents a suitable in-vitro model for PCV2 morphogenesis studies and characterization of the PCV2 replication cycle.

Barriers and Facilitators to Healthy Physical Activity in Asthma Patients

Preliminary evidence indicates that asthma patients limit exercise and healthy lifestyle activities to avoid respiratory symptoms. This self-imposed decrease in activity, even among those with mild disease, may predispose to long-term general health risks. The objectives of this qualitative study were to determine patients' views about exercise and lifestyle activities and to determine if these views varied depending on asthma characteristics. During in-person interviews, 60 patients were asked open-ended questions about asthma and perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise and lifestyle activities, particularly walking. Responses were coded and corroborated by independent investigators and then compared according to asthma severity, knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Although most patients acknowledged the importance of exercise, many either limited or did not participate in exercise because of asthma and other conditions. Patients cited both internal and external barriers to exercise, such as lack of motivation, time constraints, and extreme weather affecting asthma. Patients identified multiple facilitators, such as social support and the desire to be healthy. Lifestyle activities were preferred over formal exercise regimens. Patients with more severe disease were more likely to believe that exercise was not good for asthma. Patients with less knowledge, less self-efficacy, and worse attitudes toward asthma also were more likely to have negative perspectives about exercise. In conclusion, for many patients, asthma is a deterrent to physical activity and predisposes to inactivity. Developing interventions to foster prudent lifestyle activities and exercise among asthma patients should be a priority to decrease long-term health risks.

Implications of phytoestrogen intake for breast cancer

Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived substances that are structurally or functionally similar to estradiol. Interest in phytoestrogens has been fueled by epidemiologic data that suggest a decreased risk of breast cancer in women from countries with high phytoestrogen consumption. Women with a history of breast cancer may seek out these "natural" hormones in the belief that they are safe or perhaps even protective against recurrence. Interpretation of research studies regarding phytoestrogen intake and breast cancer risk is hampered by differences in dietary measurement, lack of standardization of supplemental sources, differences in metabolism amongst individuals, and the retrospective nature of much of the research in this area. Data regarding the role of phytoestrogens in breast cancer prevention is conflicting, but suggest early exposure in childhood or early adolescence may be protective. In several placebo-controlled randomized trials among breast cancer survivors, soy has not been found to decrease menopausal symptoms. There is very little human data on the role of phytoestrogens in preventing breast cancer recurrence, but the few studies conducted do not support a protective role. There is in vivo animal data suggesting the phytoestrogen genistein may interfere with the inhibitive effects of tamoxifen on breast cancer cell growth.